Internet Use Policy

The mission of the Edmonton Public Library is to connect the people of Edmonton to the knowledge and cultures of the world.

To support achievement of that mission the Library makes Internet access from designated computers (and via a wireless network) available to all Library customers to meet their educational, informational, cultural, literacy and reading needs. Given the inherent limitations of filtering software and their impacts upon the Intellectual Freedom Rights of citizens, filters are not used by the Edmonton Public Library to restrict access to information on the Internet.

Prohibited Uses

The Edmonton Public Library's computers (and wireless network) are located in public areas shared by Library users of all ages, backgrounds, and sensibilities. Individuals are expected to consider other Library users when accessing the Internet computers located in the Library.

The Edmonton Public Library prohibits use of its workstations (and wireless network) for illegal purposes including, but not limited to:
  • Harassment, libeling or slandering of others
  • Fraud or invasion of privacy
  • Gambling
  • Display or dissemination of hate literature, child pornography, literature for illicit drug use, or obscene material
  • Display or dissemination of any material tending to deprive any person of his or her rights, to expose any person to hatred, or to affront human dignity
  • Infringement of copyright.
The Edmonton Public Library also prohibits:
  • Viewing of pages which display pornography
  • Casino games, including, but not limited to: poker, Black Jack, roulette, slots, craps, Keno, Baccarat, and VLTs
  • Brutal, graphic, and/or sexual violence
  • Creating or distributing spam mail messages
  • Damaging or modifying the Library's computer equipment, software, or network
  • Use of multiple cards and/or use of other people's Library cards.
The Library reserves the right to:
  • Limit Internet use in terms of the amount of time used and/or network load
  • Terminate an Internet session at any time.

Failure to comply with this Internet Use Policy will result in loss of Internet access and possible banning from the Library. Unlawful activities may result in prosecution.

Education
  • We can help: Edmonton Public Library staff are experienced Internet searchers and are available to assist customers with their questions. As a core service, staff at all service points will consistently offer Library customers of all computing skill levels informal or formal guidance in learning how to use the Internet as an information resource. Staff will provide guidance in the use of other Web resources, such as e-mail. Staff are not able to trouble-shoot your wireless device.

  • Start here: The Edmonton Public Library provides links to thousands of quality Web sites. At the time they were selected, these sites represented quality information, reliability, and in some cases authority. These links are great places to start your search. Because of the rapidly changing nature of the Internet, the Edmonton Public Library cannot ensure the current content of any previously selected site.
User's Responsibilities
  • Be involved: Parents and guardians are responsible for the use their children make of the Internet.

  • Be cautious: The Internet is an unregulated, worldwide network. The Edmonton Public Library cannot ensure access to sites on the Worldwide Web. The Internet contains information and opinions that range in scope from reliable and authoritative to controversial, extremely offensive or dangerously inaccurate or outdated. Information found on the Internet may NOT be accurate, complete, or current. Users must assess the validity of the information found. Edmonton Public Library's skilled staff can assist in finding quality sites and the evaluation of the quality of an Internet site and the information provided. The user remains responsible for the consequences of any action they take based on information found via the Internet.

  • Be careful: The Internet is not a secure medium and third parties may be able to obtain information about users' activities. Please use caution before providing any personal information over the Internet. Users are responsible for any losses or damages that occur as a result of any online transactions they conduct on the Internet. The Library assumes no responsibility for the security and privacy of online transactions.

  • Be careful: Before connecting to our wireless network, ensure that your wireless device is fully protected with up-to-date security software.
Selected Web Sites